Peking Duk have continued their inexplicable run of stellar hits, sharing their latest single by way of the Slayyyter-featuring “Honest”.
Premiering on triple j overnight, the new single follows on from 2021’s “Chemicals”, which gave the group their eighth consecutive appearance in triple j’s Hottest 100 when it charted at #42 last month.
The new track, however, is more of the same pumping, anthemic goodness that we’ve come to expect from the duo, and features instrumentation from Australia’s own KLP, in addition to vocals from US hyperpop artist Slayyyter.
“This song came together as the result of an impromptu jam we had after running 10ks and almost dying in the process,” Peking Duk’s Adam Hyde explained. “We headed straight to the studio from the run covered in sweat with an hour to jam before we had a show and I had an idea to loop Reuben picking a single note on an electric guitar over and over, so Reubo added in a bunch of weird chords to pluck to then eventually we removed the chords and laid down the drums.
“We then headed to the show and realised there was some fuego inside of the idea we had created and there was only one person to call to take it to the next level – KLP,” they continued. “She came in the next day and completely brought the instrumental bed to life. We wrote the lyrics alongside the theme that the music created – a sweaty journey through thunder, mountaintops, marching to the drums and chanting as we follow each other.
“Slayyyter was down to jump on board and add her vocals to the mix and we couldn’t be more stoked with the magic that we now get to share with the world. Play it loud and scream it proud.”
Slayyyter (who has achieved widespread acclaim since her 2018 debut), also shared her fondness in regards to working with the Canberra duo.
“I loved this song immediately when I heard it and was happy they wanted me to be on the track,” she explained. “When you close your eyes and listen to it, it feels like you’re transported to a club or festival.”
Arguably one of their most catchy and energetic tracks to date, “Honest” is undoubtedly another stunning example of Peking Duk’s ability to craft consistently impressive singles at every turn.
Peking Duk’s “Honest” is out now.
